SAL1 Greensboro Grasshoppers

Hoppers Fall as Stanton Collects Career-High, Three Hits

Published on April 25, 2008 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Greensboro Grasshoppers News Release


Greensboro, N.C. - Mike Stanton had the first three-hit game of his career Friday, but six Grasshopper errors and the lack of run production in the final eight innings saw Greensboro suffer its fourth straight loss, 9-5, to the visiting Hagerstown Suns.

Hagerstown took a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning and the Hoppers responded with three in the bottom half of the frame, but the Suns used 12 hits and took advantage of six Hopper errors en route to their second straight win at NewBridge Bank Park.

Manager Edwin Rodriguez was hoping for something a little more out of his starter Friday, but following four starts in which he had not allowed more than three runs, Greensboro's Cristhian Martinez gave up seven runs on nine hits before being chased from the game following 5.0 innings of work.

"We wanted to see Martinez last five or so innings and he did, but he had to battle through some situations where we had to leave him out there because of yesterday's 14 inning game," said Rodriguez.

Offensively the Hoppers pounded out 11 hits for the second straight night, including three from Stanton and Hunter Mense, but their hits did not translate into runs as Greensboro added just single runs in the seventh and eighth innings.

"With a young team some nights you get the offense, some nights you get the pitch, some nights you get the defense and every now and then they put it all together," said Rodriguez. "Tonight we were hitting the ball but mistakes in the field and allowing the number of runs we did made it tough."

The Suns used a four-run third inning and a two-run fourth to reclaim their lead and capture at least a series split against Greensboro; the first time the Suns have not fallen victim to the Hoppers in a series since Greensboro changed is name-face in 2005.

Greensboro's bullpen was called upon in the sixth inning and Don Czyz, Matt Mallory and Garrett Parcell combined to worked 4.0 innings while allowing just one earned run and striking out five batters.

The Hoppers, still seeking their first win of the homestand, continue their four-game series Saturday against Hagerstown. The night's festivities include post-game fireworks and Hagerstown will send RHP Terrence Engles (3-0, 2.40) to the mound against a yet-to-be-named starter for the Hoppers.

The current series is the only time the Suns will visit Greensboro this season; for more information about upcoming Grasshopper games, events and promotions, contact the Grasshoppers Box Office at 336-268.2255 or visit www.gsohoppers.com on the World Wide Web.

The Grasshoppers have welcomed over 1,250,000 fans to NewBridge Bank Park, becoming the only Class A team in the history of Minor League Baseball to draw over 400,000 fans and grow its attendance for three straight years in a new ballpark. They are the proud recipients of both the South Atlantic League's Club Merit Award and the General Manager of the Year Award for the past three years.

Check out the Greensboro Grasshoppers Statistics

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South Atlantic League Stories from April 25, 2008


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